Univision Communications Inc announced a deal that will bring the live stream for select matches from Univision Deportes' comprehensive portfolio of Liga MX, the most-watched soccer league in the U.S., directly to fans in English via Facebook Live this season.
Kicking off Saturday, February 18 and continuing throughout 2017, fans can stream Liga MX matches in the U.S., in real-time on the Univision Deportes Facebook Page and via Facebook's Video tab.
Liga MX, the Mexican soccer league, consistently attracts more viewers than all other soccer properties, including the English Premier League. Univision Deportes, the undisputed home of soccer in the U.S., has the most comprehensive portfolio of exclusive Liga MX rights.
"Univision's unparalleled soccer productions and coverage have always garnered great engagement from not only Spanish-speaking viewers, but English-speaking fans as well. Our Facebook partnership is an exciting opportunity for these fans to experience this great soccer in the language of their choice," said Tonia O'Connor, chief commercial officer and president of Content Distribution, UCI. "TV options have evolved from broadcast to cable to SVOD. Now Facebook represents the next wave of TV and, given its scale, they are an ideal partner to distribute our Liga MX matches in English."
Dan Reed, Facebook Head of Global Sports Partnerships, added: "We're thrilled Univision is bringing Liga MX matches to Facebook. The move enables Facebook's passionate community of soccer fans to watch, share, talk about and react to one of the sport's most exciting leagues - all in one location. We are also committed to supporting Univision Deportes as it explores innovative ways to complement its television broadcasts. By delivering unique broadcasts via Facebook Live, Univision Deportes is able to further reach new audiences in a truly interactive and social manner."
President of Univision Deportes Juan Carlos Rodriguez commented: "We strive to connect our audience with their passions, and we know that Liga MX fans are always looking for more ways to experience their favorite league - whether they are at home or on the go. Now Facebook will bring the passionate and loyal fans of the most-watched soccer league in the U.S. their favorite matches to its Facebook Live platform, where Univision Deportes can also be the first to engage a new, dedicated audience in today's mobile and connected world."
Univision Deportes will stream 46 Liga MX matches including playoff games in 2017 via Facebook Live. Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Univision Deportes, the destination of choice for soccer fans in the U.S., is the award-winning multiplatform sports division of UCI that includes UDN, the No. 1 Spanish- language sports network in the U.S. It is the home of Liga MX, the highest-rated club soccer league in the U.S. across all networks, and it carries the rights to 17 of the 18 teams in the league.
